Journal Entry – William Hooper – 9 Feb 1833

Saturday 9th February 1833



Rode to Woodhall Farm to meet the old and new tenants, and with them inspected the farm, and found that Mr Pigg had ploughed out and actually sown Corn in 63 Acres, whereas his covenants only allow of 44 for the Way-going Crop – He insisted upon his right on the plea that the former tenant had been so allowed, and the Bailiff told him he might do as he liked – I was very firm, and he very abusive, but it is ruinous to the property to allow of these inroads, which no other Landlords would hear of for an instant; nor would any in-coming tenant allow of it, unless compensated by still greater indulgences to the injury of the Hospital. Examined the several improvements the new tenant wished, and noted them for consideration. Went to Woodhall Mill and inspected it, and accompanied the Miller to see the land he wishes to have drained, and examined the repairs needed. – With respect to the Land which Mr Pigg has ploughed and sown more than he ought at Woodhall, in consideration of the manner in which these abuses have been allowed, and the temptation for the tenant to go wrong, I would require the incoming tenant to compensate him for all the expense incurred, which is so much saved to the other; but after fair warning is given for making them to adhere to covenants, if a Man sows more than he ought it should be at his entire loss.